Massachusetts Health Regulators Move to Limit Junk Food in Public Schools

Massachusetts public health regulators have reportedly approved proposed
rules that would prohibit public schools from selling sweetened soft drinks,
salty and calorie-laden packaged snacks, and white bread sandwiches as a
way to combat childhood obesity. Effective in the 2012-13 school year, the
proposed regulations need the approval of the state’s Public Health Council,
which is expected to consider the issue in spring 2011.

According to a news source, the proposed regulations would apply to a la
carte lines, snack shops and vending machines, but not main cafeteria lines.
“You don’t want to be feeding kids a bunch of sugar or low-nutrient foods and
expect them to be well-prepared to learn,” said Jill Carter, executive director
of the Health and Wellness Department in Boston’s public schools. See The
Boston Globe, February 10, 2011.